Sometimes do-it-yourself means getting a little help from a friend and working alongside someone who has tools, labour and knowledge you need.

Do-it-yourself doesn't always save you money but can save you time, and that has a value too. Working together with a neighbour on a fence or landscaping is a great way to get the job done but also insures that you both get what you want while trying to saving money and effort along the way.

I helped a couple of friends build a fence a few weeks ago that was an improvement and repair of an old fence. We were able to find the true property line and this is important too. Who wants to give up even a few inches when constructing a dividing line between the two properties?

Can you imagine finding out after the job is done that one of you has more or less back yard than when you started? Try to explain to a buyer that they would also own ten inches on the other side of the fence. A new owner could demand that your fence be moved - boy, what a job that would be.

Landscaping features that blend into the adjoining property is another reason to work with your neighbor. You don't want his retaining wall to stop at the edge of your driveway, nor does he. When you work it out together you both can be happy with the outcome, all the while getting the job done with a little help.

There are many other backyard projects that can involve the friends next door. Things like sheds and tall trees can affect the quality of your backyard. If your neighbour or you plant a tall tree it could shade a garden on the other side of the fence - so can a garage or shed. If someone plans a new patio for a hot tub then perhaps you should plan your elevated deck in another location.

Who wants to look down on the friends next door in their flowered swim trunks, or worse, no trunks while you're eating dinner? A little collaboration can be really important during the planning stages. "Hey Bob, I'll help you with your new deck if you want to put it on the other side of the house."

Sometimes driveways are side by side and they can look like one large driveway. Working together and planning things like re-finishing or repairs can be best done as joint effort. That way both parties benefit from the work and sharing the cost can bring the budget way down too.

Someday someone will want to sell, and all these little things will make a difference to the new buyer. Fences that match, driveways that look good together only improve the curb appeal and this is good for the whole neighbourhood. As hard as it can be and as untimely as this collaboration can be, it is still pretty important to make an effort to work together.

Last week I worked together with a friend of mine to build his kids a playhouse. He asked me to help because he didn't have the time or tools. He also knew that I had some left over building material that could be used to make a fun playhouse for his three kids. We worked out a deal trading favors back and forth - so both felt it was a shared effort.

The end result of this cooperation worked out well. I was able to get a few things done that he looked after and his children got a brand new playhouse. I also found a great home for some left over cedar siding that was happy to be part of a playhouse for young kids. During the install of the playhouse we carefully chose a spot in his yard that didn't interfere with the view his neighbours had.

Keeping the kids happy while maintaining harmony in the neighborhood is more important than you think.